Creamy Spaghetti Sauce With Cream Cheese
Spaghetti is a classic pasta dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. Its versatility allows it to be paired with various sauces, making it a go-to meal for many households. One of the most popular sauces for spaghetti is the creamy spaghetti sauce with cream cheese. This delectable sauce adds a twist to the traditional spaghetti sauce, making it richer and creamier.
Ingredients
The creamy spaghetti sauce with cream cheese is easy to make and requires few ingredients that are readily available in most households. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
These ingredients can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. For example, you can add more or less cream cheese, depending on how creamy you want your sauce to be. You can also add more or less red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you want your sauce to be.
Directions
Making the creamy spaghetti sauce with cream cheese is a breeze. Here are the steps:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then add the softened cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until it is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until the spaghetti is fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
The creamy spaghetti sauce with cream cheese is a versatile sauce that can be customized to suit different tastes. Here are some variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the sauce for a protein boost.
- Use different types of pasta instead of spaghetti, such as fettuccine or linguine.
- Add vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Use different types of cheese instead of Parmesan, such as Asiago or Romano.
- Use different herbs and spices to season the sauce, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
Conclusion
The creamy spaghetti sauce with cream cheese is a delicious twist to the classic spaghetti dish. Its rich and creamy texture makes it a crowd-pleaser and a go-to meal for many households. With few ingredients and easy steps, this sauce can be whipped up in no time. Try it out and enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal!